Keeshond Breed Profile: Essential Facts
The Keeshond is an active and lively dog who is great with children.
Keeshond
- AKC Group: Non-Sporting
- Weight: 35-45 lbs.
- Height: 17-18 in.
- Life Span: 13-15 years
Don't Guess When It Comes To Your Pet's Care
Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.
Key Characteristics of a Keeshond
The Keeshond (pronounced "kayz-hawnd") is an active, medium-sized dog with a fox-like expression. The double coat is thick and comes in colors of gray, black and cream in marked variations throughout the fur.
Where the Keeshond Came From
Keeshonden (the plural form of Keeshond) come from the Arctic and descend from the lines that also created these breeds: Samoyed Chow Chow Pomeranian Norwegian Elkhound Finnish Spitz
The Keeshond was originally used as a watchdog on barges and farms and was known as the Dutch Barge Dog.
The dog was used as a symbol for the Dutch Patriot political party run by Kees de Gyselaer, who also gave the breed its name. The political party was not successful, and the popularity of the breed diminished until around 1920, when a baroness started breeding them again.
Within 10 years, the breed was reestablished and popular in England. The Dutch Keeshond Club was created, and Keeshonden were exported to the United States shortly thereafter.
The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930.
How Friendly Is a Keeshond?
Outgoing, friendly and affectionate, the Keeshond is an active dog who is great for children.
Keeshonden are usually good with other animals and as a watchdog. They can bark — sometimes excessively — but their high intelligence means it wouldn't be too hard to train them out of that habit.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
HIGH: Keeshonden need daily walks to expel energy. They appreciate a small yard. They're also active indoors and love to spin in circles inside the home.
Be careful while outdoors, though — their thick coats can make them prone to overheating. Many people tell us their Keeshonden love digging in their water bowls after a session of running around.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: Brush your Keeshond daily, and know that the undercoat sheds twice a year.
Use a dry shampoo or bathe your Keeshond as necessary. And don't forget to clip the dog’s nails regularly, brush the teeth and clean the ears.
Health Problems
MEDIUM: The Keeshond is susceptible to: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Patella luxation Skin problems (alopecia and coat loss) Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) Heart disease
They can also become overweight or obese easily, so regulate your Keeshond's food intake.
More Stats About Keeshonden
| Friendliness | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of Training | ★★★★☆ |
| Barking/Howling | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★★★ |
| Tolerate Being Alone | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Very Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
This video shares more about this adorable dog breed:
How to Adopt a Keeshond
Getting a Keeshond? Then please check breed rescues and adoption resources first. Even purebred animals can end up in shelters.
Start with Petful’s free online adoptable pet search.
With that said, finding a Keeshond through adoption resources may be difficult. If you go through a breeder, make sure the breeder is reputable and doesn’t exhibit any glaring puppy mill warning signs.
Related Dog Breed Profiles You May Like
- Kerry Blue Terrier Breed Profile: Essential Facts
- Lhasa Apso Breed Profile: Essential Facts
- Maltese Breed Profile: Essential Facts
- Miniature American Shepherd Breed Profile: Essential Facts
- Norwegian Elkhound Breed Profile: Essential Facts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Keeshonds make excellent family dogs. They are affectionate, friendly, and good with children, making them great companions for households of all sizes.
Keeshonds are naturally alert and were historically used as watchdogs, making them prone to barking at unfamiliar sights or sounds. Training can help manage excessive barking.
Yes, Keeshonds require regular grooming due to their thick double coat, which sheds heavily. They also need daily exercise and social interaction to stay happy.
A Keeshond puppy typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the breeder, lineage, and location.
References
- "Keeshond." American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/keeshond/.
- "About the Keeshond." Keeshond Club of America. 2017. http://www.keeshond.org/about-the-keeshond.
- Sharp-Bale, Jean. "The History of the Keeshond." The Keeshond Club. http://www.keeshondclub.org.uk/.
- Keeshond Health Matters. https://keeshondhealthmatters.co.uk/.
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
Don't Guess When It Comes To Your Pet's Care
Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.
Comments
Don't Guess When It Comes To Your Pet's Care
Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.